Diana Ross wows at first of two DC shows

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer put on an elegant evening of music

Diana Ross brought her Beautiful Love Performances – Legacy 2024 Tour to MGM National Harbor for the first of two nights on Thursday (Oct 24th).

The legendary frontwoman of the Supremes captivated the audience by taking the stage in a puffy cape enveloping her ruby-red sequin top and lengthy skirt.

Ross opened the show with “I’m Coming Out.” She soon launched into two of the biggest earworms of her career, “Baby Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love!” A little later, she offered the sultry “Love Hangover” with “Take Me Higher.” Her iconic duet with Michael Jackson, “Ease on Down the Road.”

Eight musicians accompanied on stage, reveling in playing this classy songbook with R&B Queen Boss Ross herself! They particularly shined on “Touch Me,” the night’s first ballad.

Also accompanying the legend was her eldest daughter, Rhonda Ross Kendrick. The pair dueted on “Count on Me,” which Rhonda wrote for her mom’s latest album. Diana Ross then turned the stage over to Rhonda to perform some originals with her silky voice.

Ross’s voice remains warm, rich and inviting. She can whisper sweet nothings as roundly as she can belt a joyful noise (“Upside Down”). It seems like a cliche to say they no longer make this kind of music. It has the kind of soul worthy of donning a suit to listen to. Many concertgoers were dressed as fancifully as Ross herself, reveling in the chance to enjoy an elegant evening.

And indeed, it gets better with age. As what passes for “pop” these days becomes increasingly computer-processed, the kind of pure music-making that Ross is known for becomes an oasis for the ears. Hopefully, this will keep going—in the Name of Love for her fans and the music—for years to come.

Matt Bailey
Matt Bailey

Matt Bailey is a media producer currently located in Washington, DC. He has worked as a writer, producer, and host in a variety of mediums including television news, podcasting, daytime television, and live entertainment. He joined The Music Universe in 2016. Since then, Bailey has traveled across the country to review hundreds of concerts and interview some of music's biggest hitmakers. Bailey truly believes in the unifying power of experiencing live music. To reach him, please email matt@themusicuniverse.com.